March 10, 2017

Kori Groenveld ’18 Announced as Truman Scholarship Finalist

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, which supports the graduate education and professional development of outstanding young people committed to public service leadership, has selected Kori Groenveld ’18 as a finalist for the Truman Scholarship. Winners will be announced in April.

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, which supports the graduate education and professional development of outstanding young people committed to public service leadership, has selected Kori Groenveld ’18 as a finalist for the Truman Scholarship. The Foundation selected 199 finalists out of 768 that applied, based on their records of leadership, public service, and academic achievement. Ultimately the foundation will choose between 55 and 65 scholarship recipients to receive $30,000 toward their graduate education.

Groenveld, who grew up in Thousand Oaks, California, competes for the Women’s Cross Country and Track teams and represents those teams on the ASLC (Associated Students of Lewis & Clark). An environmental studies major who cochaired the student-led Environmental Affairs Symposium last fall, Groenveld is currently taking advantage of Lewis & Clark’s celebrated overseas study program and studying in Alicante, Spain.

If awarded the Truman Scholarship, Groenveld intends to pursue a master’s in public policy at the University of California, Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy. Her passions orbit around issues surrounding climate adaptation in the building, transportation, and energy sectors.

“This focus will allow me to continue to develop the interdisciplinary thought frameworks and critical thinking skills I have gained in my undergraduate career,” said Groenveld. “I would like to use the tools and skills from my graduate education to create public policies that will expand the availability of solar access and jobs to underserved communities.”

In addition to a rigorous application, all candidates must be nominated by a faculty representative and go through an interview process. Ellen Seljan, assistant professor of political science, recommended Groenveld.

“Kori is willing to hold herself up as a leader in her community, to listen to those she represents, and to make decisions when necessary,” wrote Seljan. “She is exactly the type of person who I would want to see in politics today.”

Lewis & Clark has produced 11 Truman scholars since the program’s inception. Groenveld will be interviewing for the Truman Scholarship later this month, and winners will be announced in late April.  

Environmental Studies

Academic Awards & Fellowships

Track & Field

This story was written by Elise Wilde ’18.